Open AccessActive Flow Control and Dynamic Analysis in Droplet Microfluidics
Author(s) -
Nan Shi,
Mohibullah,
Christopher J. Easley
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
annual review of analytical chemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.011
H-Index - 73
eISSN - 1936-1335
pISSN - 1936-1327
DOI - 10.1146/annurev-anchem-122120-042627
Subject(s) - microfluidics , interfacing , digital microfluidics , fluidics , nanotechnology , computer science , automation , flow control (data) , engineering , materials science , electrowetting , computer hardware , mechanical engineering , electrical engineering , telecommunications , voltage
Droplet-based microfluidics has emerged as an important subfield within the microfluidic and general analytical communities. Indeed, several unique applications such as digital assay readout and single-cell sequencing now have commercial systems based on droplet microfluidics. Yet there remains room for this research area to grow. To date, most analytical readouts are optical in nature, relatively few studies have integrated sample preparation, and passive means for droplet formation and manipulation have dominated the field. Analytical scientists continue to expand capabilities by developing droplet-compatible method adaptations, for example, by interfacing to mass spectrometers or automating droplet sampling for temporally resolved analysis. In this review, we highlight recently developed fluidic control techniques and unique integrations of analytical methodology with droplet microfluidics-focusing on automation and the connections to analog/digital domains-and we conclude by offering a perspective on current challenges and future applications.